A total of 36 numbers are retired in Philadelphia sports. Additionally, the City of Brotherly Love experienced fourteen championships (only counting the Superbowl for the Philadelphia Eagles.) Of the active franchises contributing to those fourteen championships, the Philadelphia Wings won six.
Kevin Finneran will be the fourth Wings player to have his jersey retired. The lacrosse legend won four NLL championships in this city, five in his career.
On June 3rd, 2021, Finneran joined the NLL Hall of Fame.
Finneran is an underrated athlete in Philadelphia sports history. He spent a decade (1993-2002) crafting a legendary lacrosse career on Broad Street. A proud member of the NLL Hall of Fame, Finneran stated:
“I have some great memories during 10 years of playing in the Spectrum and Wells Fargo Center. I am thankful to experience this honor with my family, friends, awesome teammates, and the entire city of Philadelphia.”
Kevin Finneran; 6/3/2021
A year and a half later, Finneran will become the 37th athlete to have his number retired in Philadelphia. He’ll join Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Dallas Eliuk when his #11 is hanging in the rafters at the Wells Fargo Center. The ceremony will take place before the faceoff on January 27th, 2023. At 7 pm, the Wings will host the Buffalo Bandits.
Fans can buy a ticket for the meet-and-greet with Finneran for $5 on the Philadelphia Wings website. There will also be a Wings Alumni bar crawl before the game for $15. The first 5,000 fans will receive a replica Finneran #11 retirement banner.
Brian Smith held a brief interview with Finneran. He was wholesomely shocked when seeing the replica banner in the sit-down. Joining Marecheck, Bergey, and Eliuk is overdue. Finneran takes his rightful place as one of the elite Philadelphia athletes in sports history. Choked up by the moment, Finneran took a swig of his water, then said:
“I’m overwhelmed, Brian. I’ll never forget this moment that you’re sharing with me. I’m overwhelmed, I’m honored, and I’m speechless, man.”
Kevin Finneran; 12/8/2022
His lacrosse legacy expands beyond the Wings. Finneran played for Team USA in the Heritage Cup in 2002 and 2004. Additionally, he spent a season with the Philadelphia Barrage of the MLL in 2005. During his final two seasons with the Wings, Finneran also played with the Long Island Lizards of the MLL.
To this day, Finneran gives back to the community with private lacrosse lessons. He continues to do his part in expanding the game he loves.
(Photo Credit/Alex McIntyre)
